With These 3 Common Vegetables, You Can Make Delicious, Nutritious Dishes — and Treat Melasma Naturally and Safely

Melasma is one of the most common signs of hyperpigmentation, appearing as brown patches on the skin that can dull your complexion and make you look older than your actual age.
Although the market is full of skincare products that claim to treat melasma, these stubborn dark spots are often difficult to fade. Many women spend a great deal on cosmetic treatments before noticing any visible improvement.

However, few people realize that our mothers and grandmothers had effective, natural remedies for melasma using simple garden vegetables — both safe and affordable, yet surprisingly effective.

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1. Malabar Spinach (Basella alba)

According to experts, the slimy extract from Malabar spinach leaves contains a large amount of vitamins A, B, and C, along with essential minerals such as iron, calcium, and anthocyanins. These compounds help repair skin cell damage, break down melanin (the pigment responsible for dark spots), brighten the skin, and promote new cell regeneration.

In addition, its natural antioxidants have anti-bacterial, anti-inflammatory, and moisturizing properties, helping to keep the skin smooth, hydrated, and supple.

Ingredients:

• Malabar spinach leaves: 200 g

• Honey: 1 tablespoon

• Cucumber: ½ piece

How to make:

1. Wash the spinach leaves thoroughly and soak them in diluted salt water to remove bacteria and pesticide residue.

2. Wash the cucumber in salt water and slice thinly.

3. Blend the spinach and cucumber together, then strain to extract the juice.

4. Mix in the honey and stir well until you get a smooth, thick paste.

5. Clean your face (exfoliate if possible) and apply the mixture evenly as a face mask.

6. Gently massage with your fingertips for 2 minutes, then leave it on for 15 minutes before rinsing with cool water.

7. Repeat 2–3 times a week for best results.

Benefits:
Honey acts as a natural moisturizer that nourishes the skin, while cucumber soothes sunburn, hydrates, and helps fade dark spots, acne, freckles, and melasma.

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2. Vietnamese Coriander (Persicaria odorata)

Experts say that Vietnamese coriander contains antibacterial and detoxifying compounds such as decanon, doecanol, and sesquiterpenene, which can help eliminate impurities, reduce pigmentation, and prevent acne formation.

Using this herb as a mask helps tighten pores, brighten skin tone, and reduce melasma and freckles effectively.

Ingredients:

• Vietnamese coriander: 10 g

• Fresh lemon juice: 1 teaspoon

• Honey: as needed

How to make:

1. Wash the coriander leaves, let them dry, then grind or blend them to extract the juice.

2. Mix the juice with lemon juice and honey until smooth.

3. After cleansing your face, apply the mixture to the skin, focusing on areas with freckles or dark spots.

4. Gently massage with your fingertips for about 20 minutes, then rinse with clean water.

5. Finish with a light moisturizer to soothe the skin.

6. Apply this mask twice a week for noticeable improvement.

Benefits:
Lemon juice is rich in vitamin C and citric acid, which help lighten pigmentation and fade blemishes. It also cleans pores and prevents dirt buildup — leaving your skin clearer and smoother.

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3. Sweetleaf (Sauropus androgynus)

Sweetleaf (also known as katuk or “rau ngót”) is a familiar household vegetable packed with fiber, vitamin C, and essential minerals — all vital for skin regeneration and overall health.

Vitamin C in particular promotes collagen production, helping the skin stay firm and elastic. It also helps inhibit melanin formation, reducing melasma and keeping your skin bright and youthful.

Ingredients:

• Fresh sweetleaf: 100 g

• Fresh ginger: 2 slices

How to make:

1. Peel and slice the ginger.

2. Pick and wash the sweetleaf leaves, then let them drain.

3. Blend the sweetleaf and ginger together until smooth.

4. After cleansing your face, apply the mixture directly to the skin — especially on dark or pigmented areas.

5. Relax for about 20 minutes, then rinse thoroughly with clean water.

6. Repeat 2–3 times per week for best results.

Benefits:
Ginger, known for its antibacterial and cleansing properties, enhances the brightening and rejuvenating effects of sweetleaf, making this combination an excellent natural remedy for melasma.

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✅ Summary:
With just three simple and affordable ingredients — Malabar spinach, Vietnamese coriander, and sweetleaf — you can create powerful natural remedies for bright, even-toned, and youthful skin, without relying on expensive cosmetic treatments.